A voice for the Tzibbur by the Tzibbur- overcoming challenges. We take no responsibility for comments posted you are solely responsible for any comments you make and their accuracy. We take no responsibility and assume no liability for any comments posted by you or any third-party.

The Howell BJ's has cholov Yisrael cheese cake hopefully more cholov yisrael products will benefit the Frum consumer who's makpid on Cholov Yisrael.Teaneck—Rabbi Moshe Dovid Lebovits travels most of the week. In charge of new business development at the Teaneck-based KOF-K Kosher Supervision, he has spearheaded a huge project over the past couple of years. When BJ’s Wholesale Club identifies stores that are located around large Jewish communities, he works with the store administration to kasher the bakeries and helps bring in various packaged kosher items, such as challah, knishes and cheese.

Matzav.com- it is with great sadness that we report the passing of Rabbi Yonah Kantor zt”l of Lakewood, NJ. He was 54.Reb Yony, as he was known, was a beloved member of the Lakewood community, recognized for his ahavas haTorah, ahavas habriyos, and avodas Hashem. Reb Yony was a dear friend of so many people, truly meurav im habriyos, while serving as an example in Torah, avodah, gemillus chassodim, bitachon and emunah.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Who has not used the services of Chaveirim from a flat tire or a jump start to other help people know they can count on Chaveirim. It is therefore disturbing that there is no mention of Chaveirim in the shopper or scoop. No mention at all. No ads no news reports nada zilch. Chaveirim recently held a free car safety check for the community but you would not know if you get your news through the aforementioned media. When mentioning Chesed orgs Chaveirim is omitted. Is this coincidence or intentional?

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

A article from 2013 about Lakewood was re-posted yesterday on the front page of a social media site viewed by millions. The catchy misleading headline and faulty article, garnered over 5,000 comments spewing hate lies vitriol and anti Semitic stereotypes against the tzibbur. Many of those commenting have never been to, or know anything about Lakewood. Despite that, they allude to bad driving habits among many other anti Semitic talking points. There are few defenders among the cesspool of hate.

Gourmet Glatt of Lakewood and Seasons Lakewood both set up official Facebook pages with updates leading up to their grand opening dates. For those that are anxiously awaiting their opening you can follow GG HERE and Seasons HERE. Evergreen kosher is also opening down route 9 south.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

During these weeks one experiences a feeling of what it used to or should be like. With thousands leaving for summer vacation parking spots are easy to find, lines in stores are shorter, less traffic on the streets and there's a feeling of a calm and peace. This is what it feels like in out of town places on a daily basis. Enjoy it for now before the busing fiasco hits and the town will grind to a halt.

Monday, July 27, 2015

APP - LAKEWOOD – For a brief time, it looked like taxpayers and parents of school-age children would be spared the usual drama over the school district’s ever-contentious transportation budget.Now, the wheels have fallen off the bus.This past week, the district announced it was canceling courtesy bus service for nearly 11,000 public and private schoolchildren, starting in September. The district said it had run out of time to find a way to close an $8.3 million funding gap.

Will this also work with a Kosher phone?The Township of Lakewood, N.J., has upgraded its 911 emergency system with software that supports real-time multimedia communication between mobile callers and public safety answering points.The solution, called iLoc8, was created by Avaya. According to Mark Fletcher, Avaya’s chief architect for worldwide public safety solutions, iLoc8 uses HTML5 and WebRTC to connect citizens and dispatchers through a mobile web browser without the need of a special app.

ENOUGH! If there is no money for courtesy busing which is not state mandated there should be no money for the millions spent on after school programs which are also courtesy and not state mandated. If they have to make budgetary cuts let them look across the board. Its time to list and reevaluate all after school programs, all the sporting and athletic programs, the bi lingual and other summer programs. Cutting these programs would save millions of taxpayer dollars which the state did not mandate that it be paid for obviously the state does not feel it is that important.

Sunday, July 26, 2015

PRESS RELEASE- Laura Winters Superintendent of Schools
Lakewood Public School District. During the months of April and May the district transportation staff held two meetings with non
public school leaders to discuss the implementation and refinement of a tiered busing plan. Both
meetings were sparsely attended and did not result in a workable plan.
During this same period, district staff met with a diverse group of community stakeholders
including municipal officials, senior citizens and Rabbi Kotler. The outcome of those meetings
produced a plan

Following is a email sent out by Board of Education consultant Gus Kakavas to all the private schools administrators as to the plan for the upcoming school year.

As most of you know, the Board of Education’s Transportation Department and the State Monitor have been working tirelessly for the last three months to come up with an affordable plan that provided the maximum services possible. After much work and countless hours of meetings and discussions, we came up with “Plan B”. Unfortunately, late last month, that plan was rejected by the non-public administrators who needed to approve the concessions involved to move forward.

Over 15 tickets were written in Sterling Place development for cars that were parked the wrong way. Cars can not park on the opposite direction of the traffic. No courtesy warning was issued and in the future "askanim" hope they will warn residents first.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

The many children who attend schools in Industrial park or other outlying areas will still qualify for busing as per state mandate. Most of the students in these schools live more than 2 miles away enough for the State threshold mandating busing be provided for them. Ironically most of those effected will be the Public school students many who live within walking distance of the schools. This is obviously not the final showdown as the power play continues. For now lets mourn the churban.

APPLAKEWOOD – Nearly 11,000 children attending public and private schools will be without free busing in the coming school year, the school district announced Thursday.The dramatic move affects an estimated 8,400 private school students and another 2,400 public school students who in prior years would have qualified for courtesy, or non-mandatory, busing, under the district’s busing guidelines.But times have changed. The district is now under the supervision of a state-appointed monitor, Michael Azzara, who made the decision to cancel the courtesy busing program in the face of a transportation budget shortfall of $8.3 million.

Hundreds of people continue to be menachem avel the mishpacha of Rebbetzin Kotler a''h. Among them many talmidim of Rav Shneur zt''l Roshei yeshiva, Admorim, politicians and supporters of Bais Medrash Govoha.

Hateful comments continue to appear on TLS Facebook page there are photos and news alerts there that are not posted on the main site. It has become a platform by some to post comments poking fun of and besmirching the Jewish community. A picture of the Levaya drew hateful and nasty comments about the community. prompting TLS to post this:

"True, we won't sit here and attempt to change your opinion about Jews - or Lakewood Jews in particular.But on the same token, making anti-Semitic, disparaging and derogatory remarks about thousands of Jews attending a funeral of one of the most respected people in the community, is nothing less than shameful, despicable and blatant hate - and we won't tolerate it and its posters on our forums."

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman 5tjt.comThis past week, Klal Yisroel lost an extraordinary neshama – Rebbiten Rishel Kotler, daughter-in-law of Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l and mother and grandmother of a dynasty of extraordinary Talmidei Chachomim – the Roshei Yeshiva of Lakewood.MEMELRebitzen Rischel was born in 1923, and her family lived in the town of Memel. Memel was once a part of Germany, and was its most northern town. After the first World War, however, according to the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, it was made a protectorate of the Entente States. Lithuania, however, took it by force, in the very year that Rebbitzen Rishel was born.PARENTSHer father, Reb Aryeh Malkiel Friedman was sent by his father, Reb Dovid Friedman, to study in Telze under Reb Chaim of Telze and in Slabodka as well.

Cops are ticketing cars parked too close to the corners in the area of 5th st and 4th st between Private way and Forest. Those going to be menachem avel should park 25 feet off the corner or park at the yeshiva lots and walk. In addition 5th street is closed eastbound coming from Private way to Forest Avenue.

Couples looking to buy a home face many challenges besides for affordability and location they want to feel welcomed where they choose to buy. Not always are they accepted, welcomed or wanted at a specific development. Sometimes the age is a factor or they are just not part of THAT olam. At a recent newly constructed development, not anyone was able to buy or get in, you had to be accepted. The homes were never even listed with an agency it was exclusive for a select few by invitation only. They were hoping to keep it to a certain shnit according to their liking and standards. It did not quite work out exactly, as homeowners ended up renting the house out to others who were not approved by the committee! oy vey.. Even worse the basement tenants also were not vetted enough and would not have passed the rigorous farher needed to get in.While we are in the midst of the Nine days life would be easier if we not have so many different barriers, olam's and clicks and people should be able to move and buy anywhere comfortably without feeling left out.

Missionaries are circulating Lakewood distributing an innocent looking envelope with a book and a DVD containing detrimental material inside. They are leaving it in mailboxes, near doors and other areas where they can be discovered by children.

Please make sure to look out for this envelope and destroy its contents before it can reach the hands of your children. Do not simply discard; destroy first.

The Mashgiach is still in need of tefillos he is currently alert and doing better. What was initially thought to have been a stroke, doctors at Livingston Hospital neurology dept now think it was something else. The Tzibbur is asked to continue davening for rav Mattisyahu Chaim Ben Ettil.

Mishpachas kotler is sitting Shiva in Lakewood at 515 5th street between Forest and Private way. Shachris is at 7:40 Mincha at 1:45 & 7:45 Maariv At 9:45 & 11:00 pm. Ladies will sit until shabbos and the men until Sunday morning tisha b'av. Men's entrance around the back of the house.

It has become a norm when a large event is held to have multiple agencies with a large law enforcement present. For logistical and safety purposes these precautions are needed and understandable. Yes, hatzolah should be on guard as well as the police for safety and security and other agencies to provide the logistics. However some of it may seem a bit over the top. While many pat themselves on the back for a job well done, credit should also go to the well behaved crowd of Bnei Torah who act with derech Eretz despite all the orders given by others. Its also a time to question do we need aiyno yehudim escorting the aron yelling in vulgar language s the aron is being carried? Is it proper kavod hames? Its not kavod for the Tzibbur either.

The camp spirit is here. The mascots are on the street corners cheering on the kids. B'H the children get to enjoy and have fun. Boys day camps have begun today. camp programs keep the kinderlach busy in these long summer days. Thanks to the many Rebbeim and counslers who provide summer fun for Lakewood's kinderlach.

Rebbetzin Rischel Kotler, a”hBy Mordechai WincornSunday, July 19, 2015 | ג' אב תשע"הThe American Torah world was thrown into mourning by news of the petirah of Rebbetzin Rischel Kotler, a”h, widow of Harav Shneur Kotler, zt”l, who passed away Friday night in her home at age 92. For more than half a century, Rebbetzin Rischel, as she was known, occupied her unique role as the matriarch of what would become the nation’s largest mekom Torah. From her humble but regal home on Fifth Street, she not only raised a legendary family of marbitzei Torah, but was a Rebbetzin to the entire community of bnei Torah and was regarded by many as “the mother of the yeshivah.”

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Thousands are expected at the Levaya in Eretz Yisrael Of Rebbetzin Rischel Kotler A''H. The Levaya will go out of the Mir yeshiva in the Bais Yisrael Neighborhood of Yerushalayim and make its way to the kevurah in Har Hamenuchos. The aaron is expected to Arrive at 12:30 In Eretz Yisrael. The Levaya is scheduled for 2:30 pm.

Over 10,000 Talmidim braved the stiffing heat and accompanied the aron carrying Rebbetzin Rishel Kotler from Bais medrash Govoha where she was known as the matriarch of the yeshiva. The levaya began at 9:45 and ended at 1:10. The aron was than accompanied to JFK airport on its way to Eretz Yisrael. Kevura will be on Har hamenuchos next to her husband the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Shneur Kotler zatzal. Due to the extreme heat most of the crowd stayed indoors during the levaya as there were video and audio hookups across the various botei medrashim of the yeshiva. The maspidim were, Rav Dovid Schustal, Rav Yerucham Olshin, Rav Meir Herskowitz, R' Aaron Kotler, R' Isser Zalman Kotler, Rav Avrohom Kurkanski, R' Shraga Kotler, Rav Shea Krupenia, Rav Yisrael Neuman, Rav Shlomo Eisenberg, Rav Uren Reich, Rav Gershon Ribner and the Rosh hayeshiva Rav Malkiel Kotler. The Keil Molei was recited by Rav Chaim Ginsburg. The maspidim mentioned how the Rebbetzin was the last connection to the previous generation and her passing is an end of an era.

They spoke about the tekufos the Rebbetzin went through in her life from when her parents were taken out of her house and killed by YM'S. The tekufa when she escaped to Russia and than to Japan while she was separated from her chosson for 8 years until they were reunited in 1947 when she got the papers to let her out. The tekufah when she lost her husband at a young age and the passing of her son Rav Meir ztl. Through all these Nisyonos the Rebbetzin exemplified tremendous Emunah in hashem. Emunah in Torah and Emunas chachomim. Although she had a mind of her own was very knowledgeable and had what to say she was totally mevatel herself to her husband the Rosh yeshiva. she was an almana for 35 years but In her home the chair Rav Shneur sat on was never moved from its place. She was the vessel in which was mekabel from the Roshei hayeshiva and was able to transfer over the musar avicha with her Toras Imecha. It was pointed out that as an eishes chaver it was befitting her to have this kavod Acharon. She transmitted the great Mesorah she received from her parents as well as from her Husbands maternal grandparents Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer and his Rebbetzin Beila Hinda, her in laws Rav Aharon Kotler and his Rebbetzin Chana Perel.The Rebbetzin was the mother of the Yeshiva she cared for each talmid as if they were her son. She never stopped worrying despite all the tzaros she had she never thought about herself it was always what can she do for others. Be it finding a shidduch getting someone a job, helping a poor girl get married or taking care of a bochur or youngerman that needed medical assistance. The talmidim were the malchus and she was the matriarch. She elevated the kavod of the bnei hayeshiva it was pointed out by her son that she insisted Bnei hayeshiva not be reffered to as a guy but rather as Reb. Her einiklach were always on her mind as were the many other children and talmidim who spent time in her house as bnei bayis everyone felt the motherly love and caring. Another levaya will take place in eretz Yisrael. There is no doubt said the Ry she will be greeted in the olam haaemes by Her Husband, her son, parents, her in laws, grandparents all of which were always on her mind. TNZBH

APP: LAKEWOOD More than 5,000 mourners were expected to attend the funeral of Rebbetzin Rishel Kotler on Sunday, according to Lakewood Police.Kotler, 92, is the wife of Rabbi Shneur Kotler, the former dean of Beth Medrash Govoha, the largest yeshiva in New Jersey and one of the largest schools for Orthodox Jewish students in the world. She is the mother of the school’s current dean, Rabbi Aryeh Malkiel Kotler, and its CEO, Rabbi Aron Kotler, according to the Jewish website matzav.com.

After volunteering for hours at the Levaya in the heat, the chaveirim members are right back at it helping the klal. It was not reported on TLS or the shopper but Lakewood Chaveirim will be hosting its free annual car inspection at the blueclaws stadium parking lot. With the summer travel season well underway its a good idea to check your car before the long distance trips. It will take place from 5:30- 8:30 pm at Cedarbridge and New Hampshire.

Hatzolah strongly urges that all elderly men & women go inside one of the Batai Midrashim & not stand outside due to the extreme heat. For parking -Please park all vehicles on the east side of Forest ave. Those heading to the airport should line up on Forest from 10th street towards County Line rd.-Due to the funeral of Rebbetzin Kotler Forest Ave closed till 3PM @LakewoodShuttle is suspending service till then.

To listen to the levayah via teleconference, call 712.432.4200. For updates: 732-806-9090 levayah will be broadcast live on 107.9 FM radio listen hereThe levayah of Rebbetzin Rishel Kotler a'h will start at 9:45 a.m.- 12:45 p.m. Men will enter on 7th Street and the woman will enter on 6th Street. The Klein Gestetner & Zemel Botei medrashim will be for the ladies. The Dining hall will be for the men.The aron will leave Lakewood for JFK Airport at 1:45 p.m. There will be a procession leaving from Forest Avenue cars will line up from 10th street to County Line rd. The aron will depart for Eretz Yisroel on El Al Flight #2 at 7 p.m. There will be live hookups of the levayah in all botei medrash of Beth Medrash Govoha.To listen to the levayah via teleconference, call 712.432.4200. Those calling from Eretz Yisroel should dial 054.847.7683. In Lakewood, NJ, the levayah will be broadcast live on 107.9 FM radio.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

There is a heat advisory in Lakewood for Sunday. Weather will be in the nineties with a heat index up to 104 degrees. At 10:00 am it will be 84 degrees and 69% humidity which will rise to 86%. There will be live hookups in All botei medrashim they will be open and air conditioned during the Levaya of Rebbetzin Rishel Kotler A"h. However large crowds are expected to fill the surrounding streets. Sadranim are working on tents and water cooling stations throughout the Yeshiva campus to avoid any potential danger. The Levaya is expected to last until 1 pm the Aron will than head to JFK.

Thousands are expected to attend the Levaya of Rebbetzin Rishel Kotler A"H who was the aishes chaver of the Rosh hayeshiva Rav Shneur Kotler Zatzal. The levaya will take place at Beth Medrash Govoha 617 6th street in the Bais Medrash haYoshon. As of now it will begin at 9:45 am. The Aron will be flown to Eretz Yisrael kevurah will be in Har hamenuchos at the old chelkas Horabonim. The talmidei hayeshiva as well as former lakewood Alumnai from across the USA will be making their way to the levaya. There will be buses leaving from the Catskills, Monsey, Brooklyn, Baltimore and other locations.

From Matzav.comRebbetzin Kotler passed away Friday night at her home on Fifth Street in Lakewood, NJ. She was in her low nineties.The Rebbetzin was the wife of Rav Shneur Kotler zt”l, rosh yeshiva of Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, NJ. She was a daughter of Rav Aryeh Malkiel Friedman zt”l.Rebbetzin Kotler was in Shanghai, China, at the start of World War II. The shidduch between the Rebbetzin and Rav Shneur, it has been said, came about following a bracha from Rav Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn and thanks to the intervention of Rav Meir Ashkenazi, known as “the Shanghaier Rov.”